Development cost of Founders' Memorial estimated at S$335 million: Edwin Tong

SINGAPORE: The cost of developing the Founders' Memorial, which is slated to open in end-2028, is estimated at S$335 million (US$256 million), said Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong on Monday (Sep 9).

In a written reply to a parliamentary question from Member of Parliament Louis Chua (WP-Sengkang) who asked about the expected total costs to develop the memorial and its annual operating costs once built, Mr Tong said the estimated development cost is "based on current outlook and projections".

"The estimated cost includes building construction and fit-out costs for exhibition galleries, viewing gallery and outdoor amphitheatre, education and family spaces and amenities, and a 5-hectare outdoor public garden," he added.

"The annual operating cost is being worked out in tandem with the development of operational plans."

According to the Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) listing of permits to commence structural works issued in March 2024, the cost of the proposed memorial erection is S$235.66 million.

The Founders' Memorial will consist of an integrated gallery and gardens experience at Bay East to commemorate Singapore's founding leaders and generation, said Mr Tong.

It will also "serve as a space to capture the spirit of our nation and unify Singaporeans, by enabling Singaporeans of different generations to reflect on our past, and be inspired for the future", he added.

In June, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong said during a groundbreaking ceremony for the memorial that Singapore's journey as a nation deserves to be “commemorated and remembered”.

Singapore has several memorials marking significant events in its modern history, like the Kranji War Memorial and the Civilian War Memorial.

But it does not have one to tell the story of how it became what it is today, and bring to life the “ideals, impulses, and the spirit” that drove its founding leaders, Mr Lee explained.

“Now, almost 60 years after Separation, and 80 years after World War II, the time has come for us to build one,” he added.

The site at Gardens By The Bay was chosen after Singapore's government accepted a recommendation by the Founders' Memorial committee in August 2017.

The 15-member committee had submitted its report to the government after two years of outreach to more than 32,000 people. It was formed to gather views from the public, and to conceptualise a memorial for Singapore's founding fathers if the idea found resonance among people.